But with services likeTeladocandAmWell, a 24-hour doctor who can actually help you is only a video call away.
How Much Does a Remote Doctor Visit Cost?
The average telemedicine visit costs $40 to $60,according to a reportinSeekingAlpha.
A third of those offered lower copays or charges for remote visits than their in-person counterparts.
In other states, your coverage might be different.
Check with your insurer to see if video or phone visits are covered.
Does It Matter Where I Live?
What Conditions Can I Get Treatment For?
First, some common sense: dont fire up a telemedicine app in an emergency.
Check out alonger list of conditions here, including sprains, strains, and rashes like poison ivy.
Other services lists are similar, likeMeMDs here.
Teladoc also advertises separate services for specialized care in mental health, sexual health, and dermatology.
You dont get your money back, since youve paid for the doctors time.
Can They Prescribe Drugs?
If you know you need a prescription, thats where things get a little murky.
Dont expect any prescriptions for tightly regulated drugs, either.
Xanax, methadone, Ambien, and Zoloft are all off limits.
They want you to see your regular provider for that.
Can I Use Telemedicine Instead of Having a Regular Doctor?
Telemedicine has its benefits, but nothing replaces a good relationship with a primary care provider.
MeMD provides more information on their website than some others, so lets use them as an example.
They wont start you on a maintenance medication, or increase your dosage on something you already take.
They also wont write you a referral to a specialist, or prescribe equipment such as a wheelchair.
If you want an ongoing relationship with a specific doctor, youll still have to gofind one yourself.
Thats a lot like a telemedicine visit, except it may be free.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
Photos byNEC,Leonid Mamchenkov, and viaVisualhunt.
